»04/18/2011ISRAEL - PALESTINE Holy Week, Israeli and Palestinian border restrictions impedes pilgrims In the procession on Palm Sunday, about 10 thousand pilgrims less than in previous years. Many Christian Palestinians stranded at the border with Israel. The vice-chancellor of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem emphasizes the atmosphere of joy and devotion of the pilgrims, despite difficulties.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - In the Holy Land the influx of pilgrims is down because of the climate of tensions and tightened controls at checkpoints between Palestinian Territories and the State of Israel. Yesterday, around 10 thousand faithful attended the Palm Sunday procession, led by Msgr. Fouad Twal, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem. The number is down from an average of 20 thousand pilgrims who annually travel the path from the Palestinian village of Betfage to the Old City of Jerusalem. Fr. Marcello Gallardo, vice-chancellor of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, told AsiaNews that "many Christians in Bethlehem and Ramallah did not participate in the procession, due to the few permits issued by the Israeli authorities, on the occasion of Holy Week."

"Despite the difficulties - he adds – there are still many pilgrims and in the coming days many more will flock the holy places of Christ's Passion." The priest said the climate that reigns among the faithful is one of joy and people observe the Easter period with great fervour and devotion. "

Fr. Athanasius Macora OFM, former director of the Christian Information Center (CIC), says that compared to previous years the holy places are less crowded. According to Cic some foreigners have cancelled their reservations because of the tense situation in the Middle East.

IRANTime for a deal with Tehran, a reliable partner against the Islamic State groupby Bernardo Cervellera
A framework agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue has to be inked by 31 March. US Republicans, Israel and Saudi Arabia are fiercely opposed to it for ulterior motives. Hassan Rouhani wants Iran to come back into the international fold. Tehran is playing a mediating role in the Middle East. For Vatican nuncio, “there is no evidence that Iran is preparing a nuclear bomb.”

CHINA-VATICANNothing to toast between China and the Vatican: Beijing wants complete controlby Bernardo CervelleraFor the Global Times (the People's Daily) China does not like the "Vietnamese model" of agreed episcopal ordinations. The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s embarrassment in front of the Holy See’s countless efforts. China wants the Vatican to accept all excommunicated bishops and to keep silent on those who are underground and imprisoned. The case of Msgr. Cosma Shi Enxiang. Without religious freedom, diplomatic relations are pointless. The work of mission and the unity of Catholics in China. A task for Xi Jinping: implement the anti-corruption campaign in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Patriotic Association, which have grown rich over the decades on the backs of Christians.